I used to hate belts…they never would sit right, and they were uncomfortable.
I didn’t wear any belts for years, unless it was a dress that came with a belt.
And then I discovered vintage, and realised that I should stop trying to fit into clothes that were not made for my shape, and embrace my hourglass figure with all its curves!
After 40+years, I finally figured that out…with some help from those who know about these things.
All this means that I have now fallen in love with belts…specifically waist belts or cinch belts…belts that sit higher, not around the hips.
But there is a bit of a challenge with these kinds of belts…they are not that easy to find in your normal retail shops…and if you do find them, they can be on the pricey side.
The best place to source waist belts is in vintage stores and op shops…you never know what you might find!
I have started a little collection which is slowly growing…the one I have found most handy is a black leather one, bought for the grand total of $5!
Now if I go past an op shop, I can’t resist going in and checking out what belts they have…a cheap investment can make you look a million dollars!
And a handy tip, get a basic black and maybe a brown one, but don’t ignore colour…a coloured belt can add some pizazz!
A belt can dress up an outfit…or dress down. It can create shape, and emphasise your waist
It can also help to elongate your legs if you are short…like me!
I have found that I can adapt my older dresses which are now too big for me, by cinching in the waist with a belt.
A belt also helps to tie an outfit together, such as a skirt and top…I have created new looks by using what I have in my wardrobe and adding a belt.
And I should mention one surprising benefit…I have found when I wear a wide belt, it makes me sit up straighter, and stops me slouching…a rather bad habit of mine, especially when sitting in front of the computer!
However, I should say that a belt worn around the waist won’t suit everyone. If you don’t have a defined waist, then this may not work for you.
But try it before making a decision…experiment!
You might find like I did, that a well chosen belt can totally make an outfit…and that is the magic, right there!
Do you love belts? Any other suggestions on where to find waist belts – please share!
Minette's Vintage
Great minds Zinc Moon – I just went to the shoe repairer with 3 old hip belts to have more holes put in so I can wear them around my waist!
Sarah
I can’t believe that I ignored belts for so long…making up for lost time now though! 🙂
Sonia Life Love Hiccups
I have to admit I shy away from belts because they always sit low in the middle of the post baby jelly belly. I love the idea of them sitting higher AND making my short ass legs look longer is a total bonus 😉 xx
Sarah
It is a definite bonus for us shorties…I am all for anything that makes my legs look longer! Give it a try, and let me know! xx
Blah Blah Magazine
Thank you for this. I really need to give this a try because I am yet to master the belt and I see other people doing it so well x
Sarah
I didn’t think a belt would ever work on my figure…but waist belts do! Now I often add a belt to an outfit and it really does work! Let me know how you go! x